Industrial SWIR cameras
Shop industrial SWIR cameras from VA Imaging Inc. for machine vision, inspection, sorting and other imaging applications in the United States. Short-wave infrared imaging reveals contrast and material information that conventional visible-light cameras may not capture, making SWIR useful for semiconductor inspection, moisture detection, material identification and other industrial quality-control applications.
Compare SWIR cameras by sensor, resolution, frame rate, interface and price to find a model that fits your imaging requirements. For applications that do not require short-wave infrared imaging, you can also explore our complete range of industrial machine vision cameras.
With our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. supports customers throughout the United States with the selection of SWIR cameras, compatible lenses and other machine vision components.
SWIR camera products
What is SWIR?
A SWIR camera is a specialized camera that detects short-wave infrared light beyond the wavelengths normally visible to the human eye.
SWIR generally refers to wavelengths of approximately 900 to 2500 nm. Industrial InGaAs SWIR cameras commonly operate across a narrower portion of this spectrum, often extending to approximately 1700 nm.
The additional spectral information available in the SWIR range can reveal differences that are difficult or impossible to detect with a conventional visible-light camera. Depending on the material, illumination and wavelength, SWIR imaging can highlight moisture, distinguish materials and provide visibility through materials such as silicon.
Visible-SWIR cameras extend this capability by detecting both visible and short-wave infrared wavelengths with one imaging system.
How does a SWIR camera work?
A SWIR camera creates an image by measuring short-wave infrared light that is reflected, absorbed or transmitted by the object being inspected.
This is an important difference between SWIR imaging and conventional thermal imaging. In many industrial SWIR applications, the camera observes how materials interact with external light rather than simply measuring emitted heat.
Different materials have different absorption, reflection and transmission characteristics at different wavelengths. These differences create image contrast that may not exist in visible light.
For example, moisture absorbs strongly at certain SWIR wavelengths, while silicon becomes more transmissive at suitable wavelengths. This allows a SWIR camera to reveal information about material composition or internal structures that a standard industrial camera may not capture.
Very hot objects can also emit radiation within the SWIR range, allowing SWIR imaging to be used for selected high-temperature monitoring applications.
SWIR camera sensors for industrial imaging
A SWIR camera sensor determines the spectral sensitivity, resolution, pixel size and imaging capabilities available to the machine vision system.
Industrial SWIR cameras commonly use InGaAs sensors because InGaAs photodiodes are sensitive to short-wave infrared wavelengths beyond the useful range of conventional silicon-based visible image sensors.
The SWIR camera collection from VA Imaging Inc. includes models using Sony SenSWIR sensors such as the IMX990, IMX991, IMX992 and IMX993. For more information about sensor technologies used across industrial imaging, explore our camera image sensor knowledge center.
InGaAs and other SWIR sensor technologies
SWIR image sensors can use different detector technologies, including InGaAs and newer approaches such as colloidal quantum dot, or CQD, technology.
The cameras in this collection use established Sony SenSWIR sensor technology. Sony SenSWIR combines InGaAs photodiodes with silicon readout circuits, allowing the sensors to detect SWIR wavelengths while also extending sensitivity into the visible range.
When selecting a SWIR camera, the most important consideration is not the detector technology alone. Resolution, wavelength sensitivity, pixel size, frame rate, interface and the requirements of the application should all be considered together.
Compare Sony SWIR camera sensors
The right sensor depends on the application. Higher resolution can provide more image detail, while sensor dimensions and pixel size also influence optical requirements and system design. Camera-level specifications such as frame rate and interface depend on the individual camera model, so compare the complete camera specifications rather than selecting a model based only on the sensor.
| SWIR sensor | Approx. resolution | Sensor size | Pixel size |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sony IMX991 |
0.34 MP |
1/4" |
5.0 µm |
|
Sony IMX990 |
1.34 MP |
1/2" |
5.0 µm |
|
Sony IMX993 |
3.21 MP |
1/1.8" |
3.45 µm |
|
Sony IMX992 |
5.32 MP |
1/1.4" |
3.45 µm |
SWIR camera applications
SWIR camera applications are particularly useful when visible-light imaging does not provide enough contrast or information about the material being inspected. Explore other machine vision applications and solutions to see how industrial cameras, lenses and lighting can be combined for different inspection requirements.
Visible-SWIR cameras
A Visible-SWIR camera combines visible and short-wave infrared sensitivity in one imaging system.
Instead of using one camera for conventional visible imaging and a separate camera for SWIR, a Visible-SWIR sensor can capture information across both spectral regions.
This can simplify machine vision systems that require conventional image information together with SWIR contrast.
Visible-SWIR imaging can be especially useful when an inspection must first identify an object using visible information and then analyze a material property using short-wave infrared wavelengths.
VA Imaging Inc. offers Visible-SWIR cameras with different Sony sensors, resolutions, frame rates and industrial camera interfaces.
Components of a SWIR vision system
A complete SWIR vision system typically requires more than the SWIR camera alone. The camera, lens, illumination and any optical filters should be selected together for the required wavelength and inspection task.
How to choose a SWIR camera
Choosing the right SWIR camera starts with the application and the feature or material that needs to be detected.
Before comparing individual camera models, determine the required wavelength, field of view, smallest feature size and inspection speed.
Important selection criteria include:
-
Resolution determines how many pixels are available across the inspected object. The required resolution depends on the smallest feature that needs to be detected and the total field of view.
Sensor size and pixel size should also be considered because they affect lens selection and the optical design of the system.
-
Area-scan SWIR cameras capture complete two-dimensional images and are suitable for many machine vision, inspection and laboratory applications.
Line scan imaging captures one line of pixels at a time and can be useful for continuously moving products or materials on a production line.
-
For moving objects and high-speed production processes, make sure the camera can acquire images fast enough to capture the required detail without limiting system throughput.
-
The camera is only one component of a SWIR imaging system. Lens transmission, illumination wavelength, filters, working distance and field of view should all be considered when selecting the complete setup.
-
The camera interface affects bandwidth, cable length, system architecture and integration.
SWIR cameras in this collection are available with industrial interfaces including GigE Vision, 2.5GigE Vision, 10GigE Vision, CoaXPress and USB3 Vision.
For more information about the available interface technologies, compare our:
The appropriate interface depends on factors including bandwidth, cable length, acquisition speed and the architecture of the existing machine vision system.
SWIR camera price in the United States
SWIR camera prices in the United States generally range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the sensor, resolution, camera format, speed and interface.
The current U.S. VA Imaging Inc. collection includes SWIR camera models starting at approximately $4,700, while higher-resolution and higher-performance models can cost more than $20,000.
SWIR cameras typically cost more than conventional visible-light machine vision cameras because short-wave infrared imaging requires specialized detector technology and components.
For the latest SWIR camera price in USD, compare the current prices shown on the product cards above.
Buy a SWIR camera in the United States
To buy a SWIR camera in the United States, start by identifying the material, defect or property your imaging system needs to detect.
The most expensive or highest-resolution SWIR camera is not automatically the best choice. Selecting the correct sensor, wavelength, lens, illumination and interface is more important than evaluating the camera based on price alone.
VA Imaging Inc. offers industrial SWIR cameras for customers throughout the United States.
From our office in Charlotte, North Carolina, VA Imaging Inc. supports the United States market with product selection for SWIR cameras, lenses and related machine vision components.
Compare the SWIR camera models above or contact VA Imaging Inc. in the United States if you need help selecting the appropriate camera and optical components for your application.
SWIR Cameras applications
Frequently asked questions about SWIR cameras in the US
Reviews SWIR Cameras
-
10Absolutely thrilled
I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements... I am absolutely thrilled with the MER2-160-227U3M camera I purchased from VA-Imaging. The camera exceeds my expectations in every way. The image quality is sharp and clear, even with fast movements. Installation was straightforward. VA-Imaging's customer service was also outstanding. They were very helpful in answering my questions and delivered the camera quickly and securely.
-
8Cameras are a great value for money
The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features. The cameras are a great value for money and the lenses also. The software is outdated and needs refreshing. It took me considerable amount of time to discover how to access the camera features.
-
10Easy to deal with
Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality pr... Its a pleasure to contact with the sales department. They are very polite and always ready to help. Our orders are always delivered on time and the communication is easy and simple. High quality products.
-
10embedded camera
We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a mini... We initially explored several embedded vision camera and USB3 camera options for our application. Our main priorities were compact dimensions and keeping the required software development to a minimum. We selected a VEN-161 boardlevel camera. It was easy to integrate and USB3 Vision interface allowed our software team to get started quickly. The sales guy was very helpful with selecting the hardware for us. We are happy that we selected the USB3 board-level camera instead of a Mipi embedded vision camera as we didn't require now the additional driver development.
-
10Excellent
It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks It was easy and quick process from ordering to receiving. One personal message from the team is making it even better. Thanks
-
10Excellent quality material and attentive and reliable supplier
In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs. In the commercial phase we had maximum support and delivery times were respected. The material is quite good with low and competitive costs.
-
10Fast cable delivery
I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast. I had ordered a camera but forgotten to include the required cable. the cable was ordered and delivered very fast.
-
8Fast delivery
Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium Fast delivery even without paying the speed premium
-
9Fast Delivery and good quality!
A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time! A very good company, I will continue to cooperate next time!
-
10Fast service
Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you! Extremely fast service. I got the camera next day. Highly recommend the seller! Thank you!
-
8.5Good Experience
Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition. Top, good experience. Very attentive and quick to respond. Product arrived in good condition.
-
10Good products and services
Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the... Lead time are a bit long but they VA imaging is a reliable provider that simply does what it says. Each time we needed to talk to someone, we had a proper client service with real listening and the will to find solutions.
-
8Good quality and fast delivery
So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available. So far, all components meet expectation, it would be great, though, if 3d models for all components were available.
-
10Great
These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-d... These people know their subject. Thanks to their help, I was able to successfully complete my machine vision project. They are competent in optics and that makes the difference. Delivery and post-delivery service at the highest level.
-
9Great customer service, fast delivery.
Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query. Unfortunately they could not help me finding a suitable camera+lens combination for a specific application, but they even assigned a physicist to my query.
-
10Great customer support, products and prices
I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :) I contacted GeT Cameras to help out with selecting the best camera and lens solution for me. They provided great support. I ordered with express and received the products 2 days later :)
-
9Great prices, great service, everything great
Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice. Bought quite a few cameras from these guys, prices are great, service is great, delivery times of the hardware is also very nice.
-
10Great products. Excellent support.
GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not exper... GeT Cameras in Germany made some photo's of our products to show the performance of their cameras and they looked perfect. Recently we purchased a camera with lens, and LED lights. We are not experienced with machine vision but the installation worked out fine. After installation on our laboratory we were surprised again of the high quality of the photos and the versatility of this system. (options in Galaxy viewer and integration in Python. Recently we had an issue with the software and the customer support was able to give us the relevant information to fix it within one day. The next time we need a camera we will not be looking to other suppliers but contact GeT Cameras immediately.
-
10Great service
I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged. I needed a replacement part for a camera - not only was it delivered almost two weeks earlier than expected, but it also arrived well packaged.
-
10Great support and inhouse knowledge of the cameras
First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap cam... First I was a little bit sceptic about buying online industrial cameras. It’s a critical part for our machine. For a new product development there was a lot of price pressure. We needed a cheap camera. I called them and Caspar was providing great support. He even advised a cheaper camera than I had in mind. I was just surprised by the inhouse knowledge of get cameras about machine vision. Never expected this from a webshop. The image an built quality of the camera is also great. The camera feels and operates the same as our Basler cameras.
-
10Great support by email
I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They ... I ordered a 20MP USB3 camera including a lens 2 months ago for a datamatrix code reading application. In the beginning I was sceptic because of the low prices, but support by email was great. They advise a lens and provided additional technical information. Unfortunately they don't offer a loan service, but I decided to try it. I had the cameras in house within 2 weeks and connection was easy. The SDK looks like the SDK from Basler so I felt directly comfortable with it. The camera and lens was a perfect match and now I'm able to read small DMC codes on large products with just a single camera.
-
10Great support while selecting a lens
We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We receive... We have bought a 20MP camera and lens with extension tubes to use it as a digital microscope in our lab. The support with selecting a lens was great. Connecting the USB3 camera was easy. We received everything on time.
-
10High quality
High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend. High quality components and service! My order was handled quickly and arrived ahead of schedule. Would recommend.
-
10I like the quality and price of the camera
I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great. I bought a camera and lens. It was delivered fast. Connecting was easy using their quickstep article. The image quality is really great.
-
10It is important to have a skilled and efficient team of workers to get the goods efficiently.
Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item. Maintained a good relationship and very good communication from start to finish to purchase the item.
-
10Just great
Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service Needed a customized lens with fixed iris and I just needed 10 pieces. They where able to do it for just a few euro's extra per lens. Great service
-
9Outstanding products and customer service
The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.
-
10Outstanding products and customer service
Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled u... Get Cameras were extremely kind to sponsor us with some amazing equipment for our RoboCup student team, Delft Mercurians. We had no issues with the cameras, they perform as advertised and enabled us to continue with the project and the company was extremely supportive of us overall. The customer service staff was friendly, easy to approach and helped us select the appropriate products which fit our use case perfectly.
-
8Perfect customer interaction
Good site and perfect customer interaction. Good site and perfect customer interaction.
-
10Products delivered sooner than promised
Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab). Ordered products were delivered sooner than promised, all ordered items were included in the package and we had no problems to make them work (cameras work with the attached software and with Matlab).
-
10Professional support, fast delivery and good product.
I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for. I liked that your team helped me chose the needed equipment by my description. The items that i have ordered are exactly what i have looked for.
-
10Prompt responses to many questions
Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy regularly.
-
10Prompt shipment
Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it. Reachable by phone and smooth cooperation. Invoice provided without the need for extra requesting for it.
-
10Quick responses and good selection of cameras
Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forwar... Prompt responses to our many questions. A good selection of cameras despite shortages elsewhere in the industry and we have been able to specify some of these cameras to keep projects moving forward. We continue to buy from Get-Cameras regularly.
-
10Quick shipping and excellent customer service
The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.
-
10Quick shipping and excellent customer service
The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding e... The customer service is quick, friendly and helpful, shipping takes place fast and the quality of cameras and accessoires is excellent. Very useful is also the provided software, including coding examples to implement the cameras in our systems.
-
10Really nice products
i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They... i called them and they proposed the camera, lens and light setup. I received everything 2 days later. Tested it and it works. I didn't expect such a good image quality for the total set price. They recommended the cheapest camera they had, but it's perfect for detecting the defects on my products.
-
9Suitable product for us
We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer. We already have several of your cameras. These are for stock only. Since we are taking them into stock, that means we are happy with them. Only lead time is little bit longer.
-
10The German-speaking customer service team is very attentive to our needs.
We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute ch... We greatly value our collaboration with VA Imaging. The German-speaking account managers always address our individual requirements and consistently find suitable solutions, even for last-minute changes. Thanks to their support and flexibility, we have always been able to implement our projects quickly and smoothly. Thank you for the excellent collaboration!
-
8Very good service
We are very happy with the quality of goods and services. We are very happy with the quality of goods and services.
-
10Very good value for money
The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours p... The camera arrived on schedule and gives excellent images. Very good value for money. The SDK makes it very easy to acquire images into a program of my own written using C++Builder (about 2 hours programming).
-
10Very happy with the support
I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days.... I was using cameras from a German competitor, but I was not happy with the support. They contacted me and we where able to select a camera with the same sensor. I received the camera within 2 days. It took me half a day to implement their SDK into my software so it was relative easy.
-
10Very helpful customer service
We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how ... We needed a vision camera for our project very urgently. They where able to deliver it in a few days time. They responded quick to my emails also when I needed support. They send me an article how to quickly install the camera and set the most important parameters. it was very helpfull and within half an hour we had a good live view image. We have also ordered the lens they advised. It provides a nice and sharp image.
-
10Very pleasant contact, quick response
My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future! My questions were answered very quickly. The right camera was determined quickly and the order placed immediately. Camera delivered within two days. I hope to do business again in the future!
-
10Very smooth transaction
Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast. Great seller, good comunication, ship very fast.
Vision & Automation Resources
-
FAQ pageFAQ
Most common questions are already answered on our FAQ page. Questions about delivery times, warranty, loan, returns, longevity, manuals etc.
-
DiscoverImaging Software
Image processing software captures the images from an industrial camera and performs complex image processing tasks like segmentation, detection, code and text reading.
-
DiscoverKnowledge Center
We share our machine vision knowledge in our knowledge center. Find tutorials how to connect cameras, install software & program I/O.
-
DiscoverMachine Vision Applications
Check how our customers use our industrial cameras, lenses and lighting in their application
-
Talk to usMachine Vision Experts
Ask our machine vision experts! We answer rapidly and think along with your imaging project.
-
DiscoverDownloads
The download page provides access to product documentation, software, drivers, manuals and technical resources for industrial cameras and machine vision components.